Schools are uniting in anger at the excessive noise and disturbance which would be caused by a third runway at Heathrow.

Expansion will have a "devastating impact" on Southall's schoolchildren, according to a local headteacher.

Kate Bailey, of Featherstone Primary School in Western Road, said pupils will be deafened by noise from aircraft and their playtime will suffer.

Last week the government approved plans for a new runway at Heathrow, despite a storm of protest.

John Stewart, chairman of anti-expansion group HACAN said that in some parts of Southall there would be an aircraft flying overhead every 90 seconds .

Mrs Bailey said: "The proposed changes will have a devastating impact on the education of children in Southall

"Our pupils will suffer because the noise will suspend lessons. At time pupils may not be able to hear what the teacher is saying, and their playtimes will be interrupted which means less fun and poor social skills.

"The stress on staff trying to teach with so much noise has to be taken into consideration."